How to decide whether your broken, old car is worth repairing or replacing.

When something goes wrong with your vehicle, it's tempting to fear the worst. When your car is 11 years old, it's easy to think that its useful life is now over. While it may have a few scratches, you want to hang onto it because you love not having a car payment. You may be forced to choose whether to fix your older vehicle or trade it in for a newer model. We can help you decide. Get a car repair estimate. Don't panic until you know exactly what the repair bill will be. Take your car to your neighborhood mechanic rather than the dealer, which will almost always charge you more for repairs. If you get hit with a high estimate, ask your mechanic if there's a way to make it cheaper. Run the numbers. If you get a repair estimate that comes in at the same price as the value of your old vehicle, it won't be worth the repairs. If the cost of repairs is greater than either the value of the vehicle or one year's worth of monthly payments, it's time for a new car. Consider a compromise. If you just can't make a decision on whether to sell your old car or buy a new one, find a compromise. For example, you could:

• Buy a new car that's less expensive. For example, purchase the Mazda3 instead of the Mazda6.
• Buy a used car. Make sure it's newer than your current vehicle, but remember that it doesn't have to be sparkling and brand new.
• Set a target date for buying a new car. Ramp up your savings so that you can buy the car that suits your needs in a few months or a year.

Whichever route you decide to take, ensure you have reliable insurance for your vehicle. Don't hesitate to contact the experts at Bell Black Insurance.  We serve all insurance needs for those in Idaho Falls, Island Park, Driggs, Victor, Swan Valley, Ashton, and the neighboring communities in Idaho, as well as Jackson and Star Valley in Wyoming.